Abbott shows his true colours on Tasmanian jobs and it's 'cuts, cuts, cuts'

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson criticised the Abbott Government for taking the razor to jobs in Tasmania's vital science and research sector on the same day that Greens Education and Skills Minister Nick McKim announced $16M in funding to help train the Tasmanian scientists of the future.

"Now that the election is over we can see what the Abbott 'jobs plan' really means for Tasmania - sending the state backwards and derailing our transition to a diversified and resilient economy," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

"In the face of these Abbott cuts to CSIRO jobs the Tasmanian Liberals need to explain how they are going to reverse this damage to the economy?

"The Greens vision for a dynamic and prosperous Tasmania makes increased funding and investment in science and research a top priority, firmly establishing Tasmania in the global 'knowledge-based economy'.

"With recent job figures showing some glimmers of improvement for the state the last thing we need is a Liberal attack on one of Tasmania's key employment strengths - science and research," Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.